Milwaukee Bucks waiving Damian Lillard came as a shock to many. Some were even heartbroken.
Lillard spent two seasons with the team and was an All-Star in both. He was their constant second best scorer after Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), guard Damian Lillard (0) and center Brook Lopez (11) celebrate after winning the Emirates NBA Cup championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
He helped them win the NBA Cup last season.
Lillard went down during the playoffs with a season-ending injury. He was diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon and is expected to be out for most of the next season. Might even get stretched until the playoffs.
The Bucks were very supportive of his recovery and even gave hints that they will wait for him and be there for him through the recovery period.
The end decision was brutal to many. Even Carmelo Anthony.
It was not a decision done in haste.
Doc Rivers (right) speaks at a press conference with general manager Jon Horst as Rivers
Jan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Doc Rivers (right) speaks at a press conference with general manager Jon Horst as Rivers is introduced as the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
While it appears to be a decision that came out of nowhere, an NBA insider said the discussions regarding the matter might have started one month ago.
Damian Lillard wanted rehab in Portland
Lillard made a request in the next month according to NBA insider Chris Haynes that he conduct his rehabilitation back at home in Portland. However, the Bucks did not approve. Things led from one to another from there.
Chris Haynes: “Aaron Goodwin, Damian Lillard’s agent about a month ago reached out to the Bucks and informed them that Dame would like to rehab back home in Portland and stay with his kids…and I was told that some people within the Bucks did not approve of that” pic.twitter.com/wTUBmD6Bu8
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 2, 2025
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Myles Turner
Jan 31, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shows his love for Portland fans during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Haynes continued:
There was some kind of back and forth right there. Dame wanted to be with his kids through the rehab. That’s what he’s doing right now. I think that might have gotten the ball rolling or at least put some ideas that kinda led to his decision.
Lillard will not come out empty handed in this deal as the Bucks will still pay him $22 million for the next five years based on the terms of stretch-waive deal they signed.
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